Brahmas to Face the Undefeated Stallions

Updated: May 24

The San Antonio Brahmas (6-2) and Birmingham Stallions (8-0) have clinched spots in the UFL playoffs. The two teams will meet on May 25 in a game that is more important for the Brahmas. Will the Stallions extend their undefeated season to 9-0? Can the Brahmas secure the win in preparation for a battle next weekend in St. Louis for the XFL Conference's top seed? Let's review the key players for each team and make a prediction for Saturday's Week 9 game.

What Is at Stake?

The Brahmas remain in contention for the top seed in the XFL Conference, tied with the St. Louis Battlehawks (6-2). With the Battlehawks likely to win on the road against the Arlington Renegades (1-7), the game against the Stallions is a must-win for the Brahmas. If the Brahmas win, it sets up a pseudo-playoff game in Week 10 for the top seed when they meet in St. Louis.

This game holds less significance for the Stallions, as the UFL has announced the USFL Conference Championship Game will be played on June 8 at Protective Stadium in Birmingham, Alabama. While the Michigan Panthers (6-2) can technically catch the Stallions in the standings, it will not affect Birmingham's hosting of the conference championship game.

Key Players for the Brahmas

Quinten Dormady, QB: Points will be at a premium in this matchup between the top two defenses in the UFL (Brahmas: 16.4 points allowed per game, Stallions: 17.9). The Brahmas need the version of Dormady that excelled last week against the Renegades, completing 17-of-25 of his passes for 320 yards and 2 touchdowns. Most importantly, he had zero turnovers, which will be crucial in this game. With star quarterback Chase Garbers reactivated from the injured reserve list this week, this may be Dormady's last game of the year.
Wyatt Ray, LB: Ray has recorded a sack in three of the last four games, totaling 5.5 sacks for the season. With the top-rated Stallions offense visiting the Alamodome, generating pressure on the quarterback and forcing third-and-long situations will be critical. As discussed in the video below, Ray is expected to leave it "all" on the field during the game

Key Players for the Stallions

Adrian Martinez, QB: Martinez is the ultimate dual-threat player, leading the UFL in rushing while ranking second in passing touchdowns. Over the past three games, he has thrown for 10 touchdowns with only one interception. The Brahmas have a formidable defense, making Martinez's performance key to whether the Stallions can score enough points to secure the victory.
AJ Thomas, S: Thomas is tied for the league lead in interceptions with three, two of which have come in the last two games. Last week was the first game all year that Dormady did not throw an interception, indicating he can be turnover-prone. In a game that may be a defensive battle, a critical turnover, such as an interception by Thomas, could be the difference between winning and losing.

Prediction

The Stallions have the better overall roster, but this game is similar to a meaningless college football bowl game. The question is: who is more excited to be there and wants to win? The easy answer is the Brahmas, so they are the pick to win.

Final score: San Antonio Brahmas 25, Birmingham Stallions 21